Dance Fever Studio in Marblehead

Dance Shoes: What We Recommend

There is a world of specialized ballroom shoes out there, and it usually takes some time to find the right style and fit for you. Still, beginners shouldn't worry about investing in specialty ballroom footwear right away; comfortable dress shoes can work just fine. These should fit snugly, and not slip off the foot; for ladies, a low to medium heel is best. Avoid heavy shoes or sneakers; these can weigh down your feet and make it difficult to glide along the floor (they're also not great for the studio's hardwood floors).

If you dance with some consistency, it is certainly worthwhile to invest in "proper" ballroom footwear. A ballroom shoe has a flexible suede sole that provides just the right amount of traction on the wood floor, and is soft enough to allow you to point your toes. Shoes are designed specific to the style of dance, and while it is ideal to have a separate pair of shoes for Standard ballroom and Latin ballroom.

Ladies' Latin ballroom shoes are generally strappy, open-toed sandals with an average heel height of 2" - 3" (children usually wear lower heels). These should fit snugly, so that they bend and move with your foot but don't slide around; some dancers like their toes to hang over the edge ever so slightly, while others prefer the length of the shoe to match the foot exactly. Either way, we recommend finding a shoe that provides a good deal of support for your foot and ankle.

Men's Latin ballroom shoes are likewise very flexible, and have a "Cuban Style" heel (measuring about 1" - 1.5").

We recommend that ladies also purchase heel protectors (made of either plastic or suede) to prolong the life of your heel and protect the dance floor. Remember, too, that dance shoe sizes do not always correspond to American street shoe sizes; sizing usually depends on the brand and where the shoes are made.

A man's Standard shoe tends to be stiffer than the Latin shoe, with a lower block heel. Men's ballroom shoes are usually black, and often available in patent leather for a dressier look. A Ladies' Standard ballroom shoe is usually a closed-toe pump; Standard shoes are also meant to fit snugly, but be comfortable enough to support the foot and dance in for long periods of time. The heel is also usually lower than a Latin heel.

For our dancers on the North Shore, Patterson's Back Bay Dancewear in Burlington is a good resource for shoes and dancewear (convenient to Marblehead, Peabody, Salem, Beverly, and surrounding areas).

If you're still not sure of how to go about selecting the right shoes and dance clothing, please don't hesitate to consult with any of our coaches at Dance Fever Studio in Marblehead. We'll be more than happy to help you select the best dance gear for you!

Dance Clothing

DANCE WORKSHOP 2010

For a number of years, Dance Fever Studio has been host to the area's only ballroom dance-focused summer day camp.

With opportunities for children 5 years and older, our Summer Dance Workshop features Ballroom and Latin dance, fitness, arts and crafts, and more!

Call
888-267-7903
to learn more.

• International Standard
• Waltz
• Tango
• Foxtrot
• Viennese Waltz
• Quickstep
• International Latin
• Cha-Cha
• Samba
• Rumba
• Paso Doble
• Jive
• Other Dances
• Wedding Dance Services